

[rWJiwfo. 



John Wanamaker 



The Record of a Citizens' Celebration 

To Mark His Sixty Years 

Career as Merchant 



April, i 86 i— April, 192 



Philadelphia 

Printed for the Committee 

Nineteen- Twenty-one 



El (,<=+ 



By Transfer 

3LP24 *3 




SIXTY YEARS OF SERF ICE 3 

ARLY IN THE YEAR 1921, when it was realized that 
during the coming April, John Wanamaker would cele- 
brate his sixtieth anniversary as a merchant, a number 
of his friends and admirers determined to testify their 
appreciation of, and faith in, a Philadelphian, who had wrought so 
well for his native city and made for himself such a record of integ- 
rity, civic helpfulness and brilliant business success. 

Mr. Wanamaker began life without rich or influential support, 
and it is but the barest truth to say that all that he achieved was due 
to his own energy, honesty and intellect. When he entered on his 
career as merchant, sixty years ago (April 8, 1861) at "Oak Hall", 
Sixth and Market Streets, he had little or nothing to aid him but his 
own spirit of enterprise, and that remarkable gift of vision which 
has so often enabled him to look into the book of the future and read 
therein the destined greatness of America. Some of his best friends 
and well-wishers prophesied that the young clothing merchant would 
fail, and there seemed good ground for this prediction. But John 
Wanamaker, with his wonderful capacity for hard work, and that 
splendid enthusiasm which the lapse of time has never destroyed, 
went serenely ahead and made for himself, within a few years, an 
important place in the community. 

In 1876, the year of the Centennial Exhibition, Mr. Wanamaker 
moved into the "Grand Depot" at Thirteenth and Market Streets, 
(a rehabilitation of the old Pennsylvania general freight depot, 
where Moody and Sankey had recently appeared) ; and early in 
1877, before this venture was a year old, he inaugurated the "New 
Kind of Store", when he added to the regular retail clothing business 
a finely equipped dry goods store. People were amazed at such 
seeming "audacity", and again some predicted failure, but starting 
with that place as a foundation he gradually developed and built up 
the great "Wanamaker Store", which now occupies all the ground 
between Chestnut and Market and Thirteenth and Juniper Streets, 
and which has been so well described as "one of the wonders" of 
America. 



4 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

The Wanamaker Store of today, the lineal descendant of the 
infant enterprise born at Sixth and Market Streets, sixty years ago, 
i- the best monument to the commercial greatness of John Wana- 
maker and to that gift of vision which has made him see where others 
have been blind. It might be written for him, as was written for 
Sir Christopher Wren: "If you want to see my monument, look 
around you." For such is a free translation of the Latin tablet 
erected in St. Paul's, London, in honor of the great architect of the 
Cathedral. 

Americans honor John Wanamaker not only as a merchant 
prince and as a dreamer who has transformed his dreams into brick 
and iron and marble, but also as one who has worked steadily for the 
benefit of his fellow man. As a public-spirited citizen, as a Cabinet 
officer — who can ever forget his brilliant service as Postmaster-Gen- 
eral of the United States? — and as the creator and inspirer of Bethany 
Church and Sunday-school, we praise him. Furthermore, we honor 
him for his relation to his employees, in whom he has always had 
such a friendly and practical interest, and for the unostentatious 
manner in which he has so often gone out of his way to do kindly 
acts or stretch out a hand to many who have fallen along the wayside. 

It would be a truism to say that the life of Mr. Wanamaker 
has been an extraordinary one, yet the fact remains that no better 
adjective can be used in describing its development from his boy- 
hood days near Gray's Ferry Road until the present time. As 
we think of it we are mindful of that line from Holy Writ which 
Benjamin Franklin's father often quoted to him, and which has 
its own bearing on John Wanamaker: 

" Seest Thou a Man Diligent in His Calling, He Shall 
Stand Before Kings." 

Thoughts like these in the minds of certain Philadelphians, 
including the Mayor, gave rise to the following letter, copies of which 
were vent out to many prominent citizens in various walks of life: 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 



April 8, 1921 
Dear Sir: 

The career of John Wanamaker as citizen and merchant at 
the close of sixty years in active business, has been so conspicuous 
as to induce a group of his fellow citizens to suggest a testimonial 
which will take the form of a luncheon, at the Bellevue-Stratford 
Hotel, Philadelphia, Tuesday, April 26th, at twelve-thirty 
o'clock. 

The accompanying correspondence discloses the thought 
and purpose underlying the movement. Such an event must 
necessarily attract the interest of Philadelphia's foremost citizens 
and of the legion of Mr. Wanamaker's admirers elsewhere. 

The attendance at the dinner, which must be limited owing 
to the capacity of the hall, will be by subscription. The rate has 
been fixed at ten dollars per plate and subscriptions will be 
entered in the order of their receipt. If you desire to participate 
in this unusual Philadelphia event, kindly forward your accept- 
ance and subscription to Edward Robins, Secretary-Treasurer, 
Mayor's Office, City Hall, Philadelphia. 

Very truly yours, 

J. Hampton Moore 

Chairman 



William C. Sproul 
Edwin S. Stuart 
Robert von Moschzisker 
Alba B. Johnson 
Samuel Rea 
Levi L. Rue 



William Potter 
George Wharton Pepper 
Josiah H. Penniman 
Samuel M. Vauclain 
Agnew T. Dice 
Joseph M. Steele 



Committee 



6 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

The correspondence referred to in the letter is appended: 

March 23, 1921 
Hon. John Wanamaker, 
City 1 [all Square, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 
Dear Mr. Wanamaker: 

We note with great interest that April 8th, next, will mark. 
the Sixtieth Anniversary of your entrance into mercantile busi- 
ness in this city. Your career as merchant, Cabinet officer and 
public-spirited citizen has been distinguished by such signal suc- 
cess and integrity that we feel it would be appropriate to make 
acknowledgment of it in some way, and the thought has sug- 
gested itself to us that you might consent to meet a number of 
your friends and well-wishers at luncheon or dinner any day next 
month agreeable to you. May we ask your favorable considera- 
tion of this suggestion? We feel that this would be a proper way 
to observe the close of so wonderful a span of human activity, 
during which you have worked steadily for the public good and 
contributed materially to the commercial prosperity of our 
country. 

Trusting we may have an affirmative answer from you at 
your convenience, we have the honor to be, 

Very sincerely yours, 

(Signed by the Committee) 



March 31, 1921 
I [on. J. II vmpton Moore, 

Mayor of Philadelphia, 
City Hall. 

My Dear Mayor Moore: 

I received your letter of March 29th, with its enclosure 
of March 23d, in New York yesterday, and have brought the 
letter with me to Philadelphia, in order that I might have 
time lor consideration of the wonderful invitation of yourself 
and your <■ ompatriots. 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 

I have decided, if it is agreeable to you, to accept this 
splendid invitation for my Father, as I believe in his traveling 
from point to point in his boat in the South, it would be difficult 
to reach him, and have his reply in time to be convenient for you 
to make your arrangements. 

With great esteem, high regard and deepest appreciation 
to you and the signers of the invitation, I am, 
Yours very sincerely, 

Rodman Wanamaker 



The circular of the Committee found immediate response, sub- 
scriptions coming in by every mail, so that preparations for the 
luncheon began at once under the active supervision of the Mayor. 
The latter invited a number of distinguished persons to be guests 
of the Committee, including the President of the United States and 
members of his Cabinet, Senators Penrose and Knox, and others, 
and while it was impossible for some of them to attend, those who 
had to decline sent letters of sincere regret and of appreciation and 
goodwill towards John Wanamaker. Among the special guests 
who could come were His Eminence, Cardinal Dougherty, Hon. 
John F. Hylan, Mayor of New York, Hon. James M. Beck, Senator 
Walter E. Edge of New Jersey, Edward T. Stotesbury, Rodman 
Wanamaker, Bishop Joseph F. Berry, Police Commissioner Enright, 
of New York, Captain Louis M. Nulton, U. S. N., and the Rev. 
Dr. Joseph Krauskopf. 

On Tuesday, April 26th, the day arranged for the luncheon, 
the members of the Committee met in the Mayor's Office in City 
Hall, shortly before noon, and proceeded to the Wanamaker Store. 
Here the Mayor waited upon Mr. Wanamaker, and the whole party 
taking automobiles, under convoy of mounted police, escorted the 
guest of the day down Market Street to Sixth, where he had a 
glimpse of "Oak Hall", the corner-stone of his business career. The 



8 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

.Mayor and Committee then took Mr. Wanamaker a Hying trip to 
Independence Hall (was he not entitled to the same honor as that 
accorded other guests of the City in the past?) and a quick ride to 
Broad and Walnut Streets brought them all to the Bellevue-Strat- 
ford. This little episode, an inspiration of the Mayor's, was a 
complete surprise to Mr. Wanamaker, who was deeply interested 
and touched by it; he had never dreamed, when he started his 
mercantile life at "Oak Hall" under what circumstances he would 
be taken to look upon the old building, exactly sixty years later. 

The ball room of the Bellevue-Stratford had been elaborately 
decorated with cut flowers, palms and bunting, and presented a 
beautiful sight when the Mayor and his party, including guests of the 
Committee, marched in to take their places at the long table directly 
in front of the stage. At the smaller tables, about fifty in all, were 
seated many of the most prominent citizens of Philadelphia, and 
some from New York, distinguished as lawyers, merchants, bankers 
and professional men, and they all rose and applauded enthusiasti- 
cally as the Mayor and John Wanamaker appeared arm in arm. 
So did the. ladies who thronged the balcony as interested spectators 
of the scene. 

The Mayor seated himself at the long table, with Mr. Wana- 
maker on his right and Mayor Hylan on his left. To the right of 
Mr. Wanamaker came the Cardinal-Archbishop of Philadelphia, 
and beyond were Hon. James M. Beck, Chief Justice von Mosch- 
zisker, Rabbi Krauskopf, Edward T. Stotesbury, Agnew T. Dice, 
Hon. William Potter, Samuel M. Vauclain and George Wharton 
Pepper, To the left of Mayor Hylan, were Senator Edge, former 
Governor Stuart, Police Commissioner Enright, of New York, 
Samuel Ilea, Bishop Berry, Levi L. Rue, Alba B. Johnson, Dr. 
Josiah Harmar Penniman and Joseph M. Steele. 

After everyone was seated, the luncheon was served. This was 
the menu : 



SIXTY YEJRS OF SERVICE 



CAN \PE OF CAVIAR AND ANCHOVII.S 



SALTED ALMONDS SALTED NUTS 

CELERY OLIVES 



CREAM OF FRESH MUSHROOMS 



PLANKED DELAWARE SHAD WITH ROE 
POTATOES, PERSILLADE 



RIBS OF SPRING LAMB, ORANGE-MINT SAUCE 

SWEET POTATOES, NESSELRODE 

FRESH STRING BEANS 



IRISH ASPARAGUS MPS SALAD 



STRAWBERRIES, ROMANOFF 
MIXED CAKES 



COFFEE AND CIGARS 



The menu cards were works of art, with handsomely illumin- 
ated covers, enclosing a photogravure of Mr. Wanamaker and half- 
tone reproductions showing "Oak Hall" in 1861, (with vignettes of 
the young merchant and his partner, Nathan Brown, as they looked 
at that time) and the great Wanamaker Stores in Philadelphia and 
New York. One page had the following record of Mr. Wanamaker' s 
wonderful career: 



10 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

MILESTONES 
1838— July 11, Born in Philadelphia. 

1852 — Started work as errand boy in publishing house for $1.25 per week. 

1856 — Returned to Philadelphia from Indiana, where his family had moved. 

1856-58 — Worked as salesman in two retail clothing stores. 

1858— February 14, organized a Sunday school of 27 members — the beginning of the 
famous Bethany Sunday School now numbering 3000, and incidentally the 
beginning of three great institutional churches, the Bethany, the John Chambers 
(built 1902) and the Bethany Temple (built 1906). 

1860 — Rejected for army service on account of poor health. 

1860 — Married Mary Erringen Brown. 

1861 — April 8, opened "Oak Hall" clothing store for men and boys at Sixth and 
Market Streets — first of the great "Wanamaker's Stores." 

1862 — Inaugurated the doctrine of the shortened business day. 

187-1 — October 3, announced the one-price system. 

1875 — Bought the old Pennsylvania Freight Station at Thirteenth and Market 
Streets, and loaned it for the famous Moody and Sankey Evangelistic Meetings. 

1876 — May 6, opened the "Grand Depot" as a clothing store at Thirteenth and 
Market Streets. 

1876 — Member of Board of Finance of Centennial Exhibition. 

1877 — March 12, announced the "New Kind of Store." 
The first Department Store. 

1886 — April 29, Announced the first Saturday half holidays. 

1889 — Founded First Penny Savings Bank for encouragement of thrift. 

1889 — 93 — Appointed Postmaster General in Benjamin Harrison's Cabinet. Estab- 
lished sea post-offices, abolished lotteries, enlarged free delivery system, created 
rural delivery system, first proposed the parcel post system. 

1895 — Built Men's Friendly Inn, a rescue home. 

1896 — Bought the A. T. Stewart Store in New York. 

1900 — Built Brotherhood Settlement House and established John Wanamaker Branch 
of Free Library. 

1902 — Broke ground for new Philadelphia store. 

1906-07 — Built and opened new store in New York adjoining A. T. Stewart Building. 

1909 — June 12, laid cornerstone of new Philadelphia Building. 

1911 — Celebrated Golden Jubilee of half a century of business. 

1911 — December 30, completed the new Wanamaker Store, dedicated by the President 
of the United States, William Howard Taft, in the presence of 30,000 persons. 

1912 — Decorated an Officer of the Legion of Honor by the French Government. 

19H — November 12, chartered the Steamship Thelma and sent her to Europe with 
food for the starving Belgians, followed a week later by the Steamship Orn. 

1916 — Nominated Fairbanks for Vice-President at the Republican National Con- 
vention. 

1921 — Celebration of sixty years of business life. 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 11 

Towards the middle of the luncheon, the Mayor, as toastmaster, 
took a novel and effective way of introducing some of the prominent 
guests present, by asking them to read a few of the many letters 
received in reference to John Wanamaker and the celebration in 
his honor. 

The proceedings are given verbatim herewith. 

The Mayor: Gentlemen. This is where time counts. We 
have so many eminent men here, it will be impossible to hear them 
all, so we propose to present them in a novel way. The distinguished 
United States Senator from New Jersey, Mr. Edge, will kindly read 
this letter: 

SENATOR Edge: Mr. Mayor, I thank you very much for this 
privilege. 

THE WHITE HOUSE 

Washington 

April 14, 1921 
My dear Mr. Mayor: 

I regret very much that public engagements will make it impossible for me to 
attend the luncheon in honor of Mr. Wanamaker, to which you have been kind enough 
to invite me on behalf of the City of Philadelphia. With the utmost appreciation 
of the services of Mr. Wanamaker as citizen and as public official, I should be glad 
to join in the testimonial you are tendering to him. That being impossible, I will 
assure him and his friends of my high regard and best wishes for Mr. Wanamaker. 

Very truly yours, 

Hon. J. Hampton Moore, (S '' K " ed) WaRREN G " Harding 

Mayor, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Mayor Moore: Governor Stuart, who knows a great deal 
about the Post Office, will read the following letter: 
Former Governor Stuart: 

April 25, 1921, 11.09 p. m. 
Washington, D. C. 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore, 
Mayor, Philadelphia, Penna. 

It is with real regret that I find pressure here is such I cannot come up tomorrow 
for the luncheon to be given in most fitting honor to Mr. Wanamaker. He is of 



12 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

the best type of our American citizenship. I had hoped very much that I could be 
there and join with you in this tribute which he so richly deserves. John Wanamaker 
is a credit to this country. He has stood always for the very best things. His 
success and achievement are another vindication of the possibilities of America and 
an inspiration to all who strive for right ends. He made a most distinguished record 
in the government service and his accomplishments here are no small part of his 
great work. 1 wish you would express for me to all there my real regret, and assure 
Mr. Wanamaker of my continued very highest esteem and for me wish for him 
many years of continued happiness and usefulness. Will H. Hays 

MAYOR Moore: Here is a very fitting selection— the Honor- 
able James Gay Gordon will read this interesting message just 
received over the wire. 

Judge Gordon: 

April 25, 1921 
My dear Mayor Moore: 

I regret exceedingly that train schedules prevent my joining you in doing honor 
to Hon. John Wanamaker, America's greatest merchant. His business career illus- 
trates the possibilities in this 'Land of the Free.' His political career illustrates a 
high type of citizenship — he takes time for patriotic duties. His personal life illus- 
trates the beauty of Christian service. God has given him the wisdom of age without 
withdrawing from him the strength of earlier years. May he live long to enjoy 
the affection of his countrymen. Yours truly, 

William Jennings Bryan 

Mayor Moore : Chief Justice von Moschzisker of the Supreme 
Court of Pennsylvania will read this message from another dis- 
tinguished man. 

Chief Justice von Moschzisker: 

Vice President's Chamber 
Washington 
My dear Mr. Mayor: A P ril 14 > 1921 

1 am extremely sorry that engagements here in Washington absolutely prevent 
me from being present at the luncheon on the 26th, in celebration of the sixtieth 
anniversary as a merchant of Hon. John Wanamaker. It would be a pleasure to 
me to join with you in paying this deserved tribute to a man who has been so 
prominent, not only in the business world but as an unselfish public servant and 
benefactor. Very truly yours, 

Calvin Coolidge 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 13 

Mayor Moore: Every member of the Cabinet has sent a 
sympathetic letter of heart felt regret at his inability to attend this 
meeting. This, being Cabinet Day, none of them could be present. 
However, Mr. Wanamaker ought to know that Washington is talk- 
ing about him. We have with us Bishop Berry, who has a fine voice 
and splendid presence, and we will ask him to read the following 
message of regret. 

Bishop Berry: I am very glad indeed to read this particular 
message, because it comes from a very old and valued friend of mine, 
and I have never been ashamed of those whom I may call my friends. 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S. 

»„ *T A P r ' 1 15 > 1921 

Dear Mr. Mayor: 

I have your favor of the 14th, extending invitation to luncheon in honor of the 
Honorable John Wanamaker on his sixtieth anniversary as a merchant, Tuesday, 
April 26, and regret that the condition of public business before the House will not 
permit me to join with you and your fellow Philadelphians in paying a deserved 
tribute to Mr. Wanamaker not only as a business man but as a great public-spirited 
citizen of the Republic — one who has well illustrated in practice President Harding's 
motto, 'Less Government in business and more business in Government.' 

Thanking you and your committee for the invitation and regretting that I 
cannot be with you, I am, Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) J. G. Cannon 

18th Dist. Illinois 

Mayor Moore : The quondam boy orator of Pennsylvania^ who 
has lately ascended to the Supreme Court of the State, will read 
the following communication received from a potential United 
States Senator — Justice Schaffer. 

Justice Schaffer: I appreciate very much the compliment 

in the "boy": 

United States Senate 

April 23, 1921 
Dear Mr. Mayor: 

I have the cordial invitation to attend the luncheon to be given at the Bellevue- 
Stratford Hotel on Tuesday, April 26th, by the citizens of Philadelphia and vicinity, 
to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of Honorable John Wanamaker as a merchant. 



16 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

Mayor Moore: Messages and telegrams have been coming in 
constantly during the course of the luncheon, greeting and congratu- 
lating our distinguished guest. We will not have time to read them 
all, but we will keep a record of them, in fact stenographic notes 
are being taken of these proceedings, and — this we tell without 
revealing one of the secrets to our guest — these will be published 
and set forth and distributed in a memorial volume as soon as we 
can get the matter together. 

Here is a message from his neighbors in Jenkintown. The 
Kiwanis Club, which is holding a meeting in this hotel, extends 
congratulations. Public School teachers and Sunday School teachers 
from all over the State forwarded a standard of flowers. 

And now, while everything is quiet, before the speech-making 
begins (and that speech-making is to be brief necessarily because 
of the plethora of speakers who will not be called upon), let us 
salute that new dignitary of the Church, who recently returned to 
his native State with distinguished honors that make him a world 
figure — Cardinal Dougherty. (Applause.) 

Gentlemen, a tribute to the ladies in the gallery, will you give 
them a hand? (Applause.) 

Let us do something now, let us rise to the ladies. (All the 
guests, the Mayor and Mr. Wanamaker, rose) 

Now, ladies, we hope you are satisfied! (Laughter.) 

This little movement may not be thoroughly understood, but 
it all leads to a point. The time has now arrived for the presenta- 
tion of our bachelor ex-Governor, Edwin S. Stuart, who will politely 
ri>e and make his bow to the ladies — the most eligible man we have 
amongst the men — Governor Stuart. (Laughter and Applause.) 
(ex-Governor Stuart arose and bowed.) 

Well, now, ladies, wouldn't you like to see Mr. Thomas E. 
Mitten, who runs our street car lines, and makes a great deal of 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 17 

trouble for the Mayor — Mr. Mitten — also unattached. (Mr. Mitten 
arose and bowed.) (Applause.) 

Gentlemen, I don't know whether you have seen one or not, 
but I am quite sure the ladies have not seen an Ambassador recently, 
and hence I present the Honorable William Potter, not to talk about 
Italy, but to make his bow. (Mr. Potter arose and bowed.) 
(Applause.) 

The next introduction does not presume that there will be a 
discussion of the League of Nations — Mr. George Wharton Pepper. 
(Mr. Pepper arose and bowed.) (Applause.) 

That was a very eloquent argument, as we will all agree. Just 
one thing has to be cleared up — we want no trouble with the rail- 
roads, they have enough of their own, and lest there might be 
friction, I will introduce Mr. Agnew T. Dice, the President of the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railway Company. (Mr. Dice arose 
and bowed.) (Applause.) 

Colonel Sam Lit will rise and remain standing — Colonel Ellis 
Gimbel will rise and remain standing — Mr. Joseph Snellenburg will 
rise and remain standing — Mr. Isaac H. Clothier, Jr., will do the 
same. (The four gentlemen arose and bowed.) (Applause.) 

Gentlemen, you may now be seated. Mr. Wanamaker, this is 
a tribute from your great competitors. This is the day we fear no 
rivals, but welcome them all. 

Captain Nulton, the Commandant of our great Navy Yard, 
will rise and remain standing. General Wendell P. Bowman will 
rise and remain standing. (Captain Nulton and General Bowman 
arose.) 

Army, look upon the Navy — Navy, look upon the Army. What 
say you, ladies and gentlemen? (Applause.) 

Ladies and gentlemen: We have reached that point in the 
luncheon exercises where we must proceed to the real business that 
brings us together. It may be trite, but it is true that great oaks 
from little acorns grow. A rail splitter may become the President 



18 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

of the United States; a breaker boy may become a Cardinal; a 
farmer boy may become the Mayor of the great metropolis; a boy 
who worked in the brick yards, and was proud of the seventy cents 
he earned in a whole week, may live to become the greatest mer- 
chant in all the world. (Applause.) 

We have assembled as Philadelphians and allied communities, 
to take formal recognition — you may call it official recognition — of 
the attainment by our distinguished guest of that well-rounded period 
in an American life which encompasses sixty years of active business, 
a most extraordinary condition — one seldom heard of heretofore, 
and one likely to be heard of infrequently hereafter. 

Born in this city, our notable guest toiled here as boy and man, 
helping to bring fame to the people with whom he associated, not 
only through his private but through his public life, until he reached 
the very apex of an exceptional business career. The modest begin- 
ning was shown him this morning, as we escorted him officially 
down the great thoroughfare upon which fronts the wonderful build- 
ing he has since reared, and there at Sixth and Market Streets we 
doffed our hats to the man who started there on sound business 
principles sixty years ago. Such a span of life — such a span of 
business life — is rare in any community, and we have felt it our 
duty as citizens, and as officials, to take cognizance of it in the 
manner here shown. We greet great men who come from abroad; 
we take them with great unction to our Independence Hall, to the 
Shrine of American Liberty; we do not know, sometimes, how im- 
portant or how lacking in importance they may be in the community 
from which they come, but we extend to them the hand of hospitality, 
and we give them the proverbial Philadelphia greeting. Today we 
led one of our own citizens, a Philadelphia born boy, to the Shrine 
of American Liberty, and there handed to him, so far as we had the 
power, the freedom of the city he loves. (Applause.) 

The Committee has had tacit understanding that the addresses 
should be brief, and that the Chairman should set an example of 




FFE-Eu ;i llllli V: 



plIttLlIIllllii 
IJlliTllilllll 



HKIiii!!!!! 




Oak Hall, Sixth and Market Streets, Philadelphia, in 1861 

John Wanamaker and Nathan Brown 
partners in the business 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERF ICE 19 

brevity in this regard. But the occasion is a temptation, even to the 
very highest flights of eloquence, and we cannot close, without draw- 
ing a moral from the life of the man we are met to celebrate. By 
industry he won, but he did not win by industry alone; he was enter- 
prising, as well as industrious — ever ready to match his wits 
against those of his time, and in that contest he won; but better than 
the mere matching of wits, he knew as a boy and man, that no matter 
how industrious he might be, no matter how hard he might work, 
no matter how enterprising, there must still be under the house he 
reared, a foundation of integrity, of justice, of morality, of fair 
dealing. (Applause.) 

These great principles characterized his work of the past sixty 
years, and dominated it so effectively that Philadelphia has been 
the gainer — the Commonwealth has been the gainer. Even the 
United States has had reason to boast of this Philadelphia born boy 
whose name has become a synonym for commercial integrity through- 
out the entire civilized world. (Applause.) 

And he is still at work. Each day he is "on the job," to use 
the vernacular of the street, attending to his business, preferring to 
"wear out rather than rust out." Each morning we have a glimpse 
of his busy life and of his keen intellect, in the editorials which he 
himself still indites. A ray of sunshine through the latticed window 
in the morning, and the thought arising from it presents the story 
of the day. Is he riding yonder upon the placid waters of Biscayne 
Bay? Then with books and writing materials around him, he is 
drawing upon the scenes of grandeur, the beauty of the coast line — 
in it all for him, is the thought of creation, locally applied. Is he 
riding upon the train to the home yonder by the Sea? There is a 
boy plowing the field, he is making a furrow straight or crooked — 
he sees it all, a lesson in it all — and tomorrow we have it in a word 
picture, a moral adorning the tale. (Applause.) 

I do not know how he feels today; he has indulged in one or 
two expressions as we have sat here side by side, indicating his great 



20 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

pleasure and satisfaction at this out-pouring of his legion of friends, 
but I feel 1 am safe in saying that he regards this as a tribute as 
much to the methods which he has employed throughout his business 
life as to his own personality. The glory of this day from the 
viewpoint of the Mayor is, that we are not necessarily celebrating 
a great warrior returned from the battlefield, we are not celebrating 
a great admiral who has sent to destruction the fleet of the enemy, 
(though we would cheerfully do so were he fighting in a holy and 
righteous cause), we are not celebrating some great politician or 
statesman constantly in the public eye; we are celebrating a private 
citizen, and doing it with an enthusiasm and sincerity that we know 
to be heartfelt and true. 

You gentlemen are busy, but you have dedicated today these 
few hours of your business life, in tribute to a man who has made 
good in every particular of life. The expression that came a while 
ago from the men of the Postal Service did not wholly "say in 
flowers" what they felt; it was the expression of men who, as I said, 
do not forget that this man, snatched from private life and thrust 
into high public station by the President of the United States, was 
able, at the head of the Department of Postal affairs of the United 
States, to render great service to the people. Following his penchant 
for pleasing and satisfying, and educating and elevating the people, 
he established that great system now known from one corner of the 
country to the other, the Rural Free Delivery. 

A costly service, it is true, but a service that, by reason of the 
contributions of the Government, directed under his auspices, carried 
information, light and education to the backwoodsman, to the 
country roadside, to every hamlet in the land now grown to one 
hundred and ten millions of population. He cared for the urban as 
well as the suburban dweller also, by inaugurating the pneumatic 
tube system for first class mail. 

Yes, he had a public career and he rendered great public service, 
but we are not speaking so much of that today as we are speaking 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERF ICE 21 

of the private citizen and the principles for which he has stood. 
In no better way can I state those principles, or exemplify them to 
this great audience than by drawing upon his own words — words 
imprinted now upon this golden medallion prepared by a loving 
son for a devoted father, words constituting a precious maxim, 
formulated by him at the laying of the corner stone of the great 
building yonder, over which he now presides. 

"Let those," said John Wanamakcr, taking over this great new 
structure at Thirteenth and Market Streets — "Let those who follow 
me continue to build with the plumb of honor, the level of truth, 
and the square of integrity, education, courtesy and mutuality." 

The other night the new Cardinal quoting from the "Father of 
his Country," in refutation of the spirit of Bolshevism that seems to 
prevail elsewhere, and which is sometimes tempted to rear its ugly 
head in our own midst — used substantially these words, "The foun- 
dation of government rests upon the principles of morality and 
religion." Surely, nothing better illustrates the life of the man 
whom the city and the citizens proudly honor this afternoon. (Ap- 
plause.) 

And now, gentlemen, it is not often that Philadelphia gets a 
chance to present New York, but it always delights to do so, and 
when a Philadelphia Mayor observes a New York Mayor doing 
his best to live up to Philadelphia principles, he is glad to welcome 
him within our borders. 

The Mayor of New York has a great task, and is striving to 
be worthy of the great city he represents. We cannot yield to him, 
in everything, because we claim to be first in all the patriotic begin- 
nings of this great nation of ours. We do yield to him in the matter 
of population, but we did not have to do even that until they built 
that Erie Canal and brought the Great Lakes to the sea. But the 
Mayor is a friend of our distinguished guest. He knows what it 
means to work one's way up through the vicissitudes of life. A 



22 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

farmer's boy, who worked upon the railroad, studied law and be- 
came a judge — the Mayor now of the greatest of our metropoli — 
John F. Hylan of New York. 

MAYOR Hylan: I am sure that I shall perform few acts dur- 
ing my term of office as Mayor of the City of New York which 
are more in harmony with my own feeling than this public acknowl- 
edgment to the life and service of your distinguished guest of honor. 

My first official utterance as Mayor contained an admonition 
to the hundred thousand employees of the City of New York to 
observe the daily life of Philadelphia's and New York's greatest 
merchant, wherein would be found examples of punctuality and 
efficiency worthy of the emulation of all in the municipal service. 

The City of New York is today the Metropolis of the World, 
and many and diverse are the influences which have helped to place 
it in this commanding position. Its growth, progress, beauty and 
substantial prosperity are the work of many hearts and hands. 

As we reflect on the greatness of New York we become aware 
at once of the great sense of obligation which we owe to the kecn- 
visioned men of business, the conduct of whose establishments has 
been a model the world over, and whose interest in civic advance- 
ment has been no less active. 

For the past quarter of a century there has been one business 
institution in the City of New York which has been remarkable for 
its steady and onward progress in the science of mercantile manage- 
ment. The establishment is unique, with specially trained experts 
in its every phase of activity. But behind all this is the creative 
genius and master mind of that great merchant — John Wanamaker. 
The victories of Mr. Wanamaker in the realms of commerce, and 
the beautiful temples of merchandising which he has erected in our 
City are more than mere mercantile achievements. They are monu- 
ments to the possibility of accomplishment within the compass of 
every man with brains, courage and character. 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 23 

To New Yorkers, the name of John Wanamaker is synonymous 
with character and kindness. It is a character noted for its simple, 
plain, unaffected honesty. It is this rugged honesty which has 
gripped the hearts of all who know him. The sincerity and truthful- 
ness of the man permeates his handiwork, and the great institutions 
he has reared breathe the spirit of their founder. (Applause.) 

The kindness of Mr. Wanamaker is the good old-fashioned 
benevolence which finds constant happiness in dropping the word 
of appreciation, the thoughtful note of encouragement and the ex- 
pression of confidence to those about him. The magical results of 
this sympathetic interest are in a measure reflected in the present 
over-expanding mercantile enterprises which had their inception in 
little Oak Hall in the Spring of '61. (Applause.) 

We felicitate Mr. Wanamaker on the prizes he has garnered in 
the marts of commerce by industry, prudence and honorable dealing. 

We felicitate him on the high esteem in which he is held among 
his fellow citizens through a life of upright citizenship, business 
integrity and practical Christianity. 

We felicitate him on the happiness and contentment which 
comes from the love and companionship of a man who has won the 
respect of the people of the City of New York by his public-spirited- 
ness — a worthy son, a good father — Rodman Wanamaker. 

Let us fervently hope that Mr. Wanamaker may live long among 
us to enjoy the blessings which his life of service to God and man- 
kind so richly merit. (Applause.) 

Mayor Moore: We have heard with appreciation this voice 
from afar, and shall now hear one nearer at home. The trade organ- 
izations of Philadelphia are interested in our guest, and we have 
selected as their spokesman, the President of our Chamber of Com- 
merce, Mr. Alba B. Johnson. 

Mr. Johnson: Mr. Mayor, Mr. Wanamaker, ladies and gentle- 
men: I rise to express not alone my personal respect and regard for 



24 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

the distinguished citizen and merchant of Philadelphia, and to voice 
the esteem in which he is held by the trade organizations of the 
City of Philadelphia, in which capacity I speak as President of the 
Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; but also as President of the 
Pennsylvania State Chamber of Commerce, to express the regard 
which is felt for him throughout this great Keystone Common- 
wealth. I know that I express wholly inadequately, the long 
established affection which is felt for him in his own city and in 
his own state. Those who have gathered here today represent two 
classes of business men; first, those who are in a measure, Mr. 
Wanamaker's contemporaries, who throughout their business life- 
time have had the opportunity to witness his business achievements 
and the advances which he has constantly made in the science of 
merchandising; and second, the younger generation of those who are 
to follow in his footsteps, who are learning from him the traditions 
of successful business and who are content to pattern their methods 
after his. 

This occasion carries me back in memory many years. I can 
recall when, having read in the morning paper the incomparable 
poems of the Bard of Tower Hall, my father took me, a small boy, 
down Market Street, and as we walked from square to square down 
to Sixth Street we were set upon and almost dragged limb from 
limb by those energetic outdoor representatives of various mercantile 
houses who were ever ready to pounce upon their victims — any 
parent leading a small boy by the hand. Some of you may remember 
the accomplishments of the clothing barker, a profession which, 
happily, due to Mr. Wanamaker's business pioneering, is now extinct. 
When we reached Oak Hall and entered, we were approached by 
Mr. William Sidebottom, or some other of Mr. Wanamaker's 
trusted lieutenants, and picked out the suitable apparel. Then fol- 
lowed the good-natured bargaining, the offering of a price at lower 
than the goods were marked, the careful consideration of the offer, 
the taking of it back to some unknown authority out of sight, the 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERF ICE 25 

coming again and saying, "This is the lowest price which we can 
take," and the closing of the transaction upon the basis of the reduced 
price. This was the customary method of purchasing in those days. 

And I remember one day — perhaps the same day — as I walked 
along Market Street with my father, I saw something which was 
unusual even in this City — a vehicle drawn by two horses emitting 
musical sounds something like a caliope. It had a boiler and a brass 
funnel, and out of this brass funnel there poured a veritable snow- 
storm of little white cards which covered the street almost from curb 
to curb. I picked up one of these and found printed upon it, in gilt 
letters, "Wanamaker & Brown, Oak Hall, Sixth and Market Streets." 
That was original advertising, and in original advertising, Mr. 
Wanamaker has always stood at the front in his city and in his 
country. It might be said that he was the originator of modern 
advertising. The old methods of bargain and sale have disappeared. 
New and better methods had their inception under Mr. Wanamaker's 
leadership, and the principles of sound business which he originated 
and put into practice are now the principles which generally prevail, 
not only in our City but throughout the entire land. (Applause.) 

We look to Mr. Wanamaker for guidance. All his business 
competitors, whether here or elsewhere, gladly recognize his 
originality. There are two qualities which are required in every 
successful business man. The first is the quality of generalship, of 
being able to see that which is a real advance in business methods, 
of being able to conduct business upon the highest ethical principles, 
and the other quality is such a knowledge of men as will enable him 
to surround himself with those who can apply and successfully carry 
out the principles which he has established. Mr. Wanamaker has 
been notable in both of these fields, and the City of Philadelphia 
holds not only him, but those with whom he has associated himself, 
in the highest respect. 

And now, ladies and gentlemen, it would be difficult for me 
to add anything to the graceful words which have been expressed 



26 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

by his Honor, the Mayor, but on behalf of the business organizations 
of Philadelphia, it is a pleasure and a delight to me to proclaim the 
guest of the day, first as the greatest among merchants; second, as the 
greatest among the citizens of this City which we love so well; third, 
as one of the greatest Americans; and last of all, with profound 
respect and affection, to proclaim him one of the best amongst 
Christian gentlemen. (Applause.) 

Mayor Moore: I advise the gentlemen that there will be but 
two speeches now, the first of them by one who has distinguished 
himself abroad, a noted Philadelphian, one proud always, though 
called hence, to be known as a Philadelphian, a lawyer whose fame 
for oratory was established here. Though he migrated to Mayor 
Hylan's City, nevertheless, his interest in Philadelphia continued, and 
our interest in him has continued because we have been compelled to 
admire the progress he has made. Whether in this country or in 
foreign countries, he has upheld the standard of Americanism, and 
has spoken with that force, that propriety, and that eloquence that 
inspires us. Now located in the Nation's capital, where he has 
attained fame as an Assistant Attorney General, and where high 
honors await him, he has come to us to speak the last word before 
our distinguished guest himself shall speak — Mr. James M. Beck. 
(Applause.) 

Mr. Beck: Your Eminence, Your Honor, Mr. Wanamaker 
and Gentlemen: I am greatly privileged in being one of the inter- 
preters of your goodwill to the distinguished guest of the day. I 
hope that no one will begrudge me that privilege on the ground 
that I am a non-resident of this historic city; for, as His Honor, 
the Mayor has been kind enough to say, I am, and am proud to be, 
a native Philadelphian. I was born in this City only a few months 
after Oak Hall was founded. "Once a Philadelphian, always a 
Philadelphian", and therefore I claim a natal right to join with 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERF ICE 27 



the citizens of this historic city in extending the greetings of the 
occasion to the foremost merchant of the time, and to one who is 
among the most eminent Philadelphians of this generation. 

It was said by Prince Bismarck, in his bitter and morose old 
age, that one of the advantages of being old was that a man became 
indifferent either to the censure or the praise of his fellow-men. I 
shall not suggest that Mr. Wanamaker is old. Measured by the 
absolute calendar, his four-score and two years do constitute a 
ripe old age; and yet everything today is measured and judged by 
Dr. Einstein's law of relativity. Thus measuring his age by the 
speed with which he still shows his heels to his competitors, and by 
his fruitfulness in all good deeds, John Wanamaker is still a young 
man in spirit. In one of his daily editorials in his advertising page, 
he spoke of a "smiling heart", and I think that expression character- 
izes the youth of Mr. Wanamaker. At all events, while he might, 
like Prince Bismarck, have the advantage of old age in being indif- 
ferent to the occasional criticisms of his fellow-men, yet I am sure 
his warm heart could not be indifferent to this notable expression 
of the good will which his fellow-citizens bear him. 

It is not my purpose to postpone the pleasure which we all 
justly anticipate in hearing, not what we say about Mr. Wanamaker, 
but what Mr. Wanamaker will say about himself and his city. I 
can, therefore, best show my appreciation of the great compliment 
of your invitation by clothing my tribute to him in a few words. 

He is one of the grand old men that have made Philadelphia 
the historic city that it is. What wonderful old men have lived 
in Philadelphia! Franklin, Morris, Girard, Paul Beck, Nicholas 
Biddle, Binney, Baldwin, Carey, the two Furnesses, Cassatt, Drexel, 
S. Weir Mitchell, Keen, whom we honored only a few weeks ago, 
and last, but not least, John Wanamaker. Of all these men I 
venture to suggest that the one that he most resembles in many 
respects is the first of the illustrious group, Benjamin Franklin. 
Each was a self-made man, and, therefore, an exemplar not of the 



28 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

democracy of political equality, but of the social commonwealth, 
which gives the prize to the strong and the race to the swift in the 
spirit of Napoleon's great maxim, "the career open to talent." Both 
Franklin and Wanamaker started life humbly and were handi- 
capped by small means. Each relied upon his own strength and 
each gave sixty years of service to his community and became a 
leading citizen in his generation. Each was a merchant. You 
may be surprised at my suggestion that Franklin was a merchant. 
He was not only a storekeeper, as well as a printer, but, not 
to diminish Mr. Wanamaker's primacy as the founder of the 
department store, the fact is that Franklin conducted the first de- 
partment store in Philadelphia, as he was first in almost everything 
else. For if you will take Mr. Wells' time flying machine and turn 
back 180 years you would find on Market Street, then High Street, 
a little shop conducted by a keen and bright young man who not 
only printed books, but who also sold, as the advertisements of the 
time showed, "imported books and perfumed soap; legal blanks 
and Rhode Island cheese; Dutch quills and live geese feathers". 

There being in those happy days no Eighteenth Amendment, 
Franklin even sold sack, the drink of the eighteenth century, of 
whose quality, if we can trust Franklin's advertisements, even Fal- 
staff would not have been ashamed. Each of them by thrift and 
industry acquired a competence comparatively early in life, and 
thereafter gave a considerable portion of his time and energy to the 
public service. 

Each was interested in education, science and art; each 
became Postmaster General, the one of the United Colonies, the 
other of the United States. Each continued his public activities 
until a ripe old age. You may remember that when Franklin was 
asked to go to Paris to represent the Colonies in the most arduous 
and important work of his life, he said in substance: "I am old, 
but, as the storekeepers say, I am but a fag end and you may have 
me for what I am worth." He crossed the seas when they were 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 29 

swept by English privateers, reached Paris, and in all the annals 
of American diplomacy there is no higher achievement than the 
skill with which Franklin secured the alliance with France, and 
thus won independence for his country. So, also, you may recall 
that when he had returned to America after his remarkable diplo- 
matic career at Passy, and was invited to become the first President 
of the new Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he again said, in sub- 
stance — for I quote from memory — "I cannot resist the will of my 
countrymen. They have engrossed my prime, they have eaten my 
flesh and now they are about to pick my bones." And yet, old as 
Franklin was and diffidently as he then regarded his capacity for 
useful public work, he yet rendered an even greater service than 
at Passy, for as the representative of Pennsylvania in the Constitu- 
tional Convention of 1787, he rendered conspicuous service in his 
moderating counsels, without which it is possible the Constitution 
would never have been. 

Each was a born advertiser. Franklin originated the art of 
modern advertising by his ingenious methods, and Wanamaker has 
perfected it by giving to advertising a literary tone and a news 
value that heretofore advertisements had never had. I remember 
well that when Mr. Wanamaker's first advertisements, of the kind 
now so universally known and imitated, came into print, a distin- 
guished English Monthly wrote an article upon them and called 
attention to their unique literary value. Each was a great believer in 
the printing press. Unquestionably Franklin's hand press was one of 
the greatest agencies in the development of America ; and as his strong 
right arm pushed down the lever of that crude printing-press, he 
thereby deeply impressed the character of his countrymen. His 
famous address of Father Abraham, "The Way to Wealth," did much 
by inculcating the spirit of thrift to prepare the Colonists for the 
arduous days of the Revolution. In the same spirit, Mr. Wana- 
maker devotes a portion of each day's advertising to an editorial 
addressed to the average man, and often full of the same homely 



30 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

and useful wisdom as that of Franklin. Their appeal is to the 
average man and the lessons which they teach are the much-needed 
lessons of simplicity, industry and patriotism. (Applause.) 

There are other aspects in which I might with justice com- 
pare the career of the guest of today with that of the greatest of 
all Philadelphians; but I would rather pass to a phase of Mr. 
Wanamakcr's career which deeply impresses me and that is his 
genius as an employer of labor. He, the kindly master of seventeen 
thousand employees, has so solved the difficult problem of employer 
and employee, that, so far as I know, in the sixty years of his business 
career there has never been a strike. (Applause.) 

Again, like Franklin, Mr. Wanamaker does not permit age to 
constitute a statute of limitations against his further public activ- 
ities. At two and eighty, he is still in the harness, and I imagine 
he would say, like another grand old man of Philadelphia, Stephen 
Girard, "If I thought I would die tomorrow, I would plant a tree 
today." 

This suggests one great service of Mr. Wanamakcr's to which 
no allusion has yet been made. He is the last surviving member 
of the Centennial Board of Finance. That was a great representa- 
tive body of the solid business men of Philadelphia, and it wrought 
a great work. Philadelphia was then a city of little over 600,000 
people. Notwithstanding the devastating panic of 1873, without the 
gift of a dollar from the Federal Government, and only a meagre 
loan, the repayment of which the Federal Government exacted, 
yet the Centennial Board of Finance developed a great Exposition 
which, while it was not in the nature of things as pretentious in 
its architectural details as the later expositions at Chicago, St. Louis 
and San Francisco, yet it did more to stimulate art and science and 
industry in America than any exposition that has ever been held, 
before or since. (Applause.) 

Moreover, the Centennial Exposition rendered a surpassing 
service to our common country; for up to 1876 the wounds of the 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 31 

war had not ceased, North and South were still estranged. Over 
new-made graves and ravaged fields, the men of the North and 
South still looked at each other with seemingly irreconcilable 
hatred. It was at this time that Philadelphia invited North, South 
and West and indeed the world, to come to Philadelphia and to 
celebrate the early glories of the Republic. In this "City of 
Brotherly Love" those who wore the blue and those who wore the 
gray met. How well some of us remember that lovely morning 
in May, when in Fairmount Park, with its velvet lawns bespangled 
with spring flowers, a new "field of the cloth of gold", North and 
South met and, with memories of the common glory of the early 
Republic inspiring them, clasped hands in lasting amity. Few 
greater services has any American city rendered to its country than 
that; and the arduous financial details largely fell upon the Centen- 
nial Board of Finance, of which Mr. Wanamaker was a most ener- 
getic member. (Applause.) 

A greater opportunity now awaits Philadelphia. I do not 
know whether it would be fair to draft Mr. Wanamaker again, as 
Franklin was drafted in the public service, when he could have 
justly pleaded age as an exemption; but nevertheless, I do cherish 
the hope that under Mr. Wanamaker' s inspired leadership, Phila- 
delphia may again invite the world to be its guests, when we shall 
celebrate the 150 th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, 
as nearly a half-century ago we celebrated the centennial of that 
great event. Philadelphia could not render a greater service to the 
world. By that time the tremendous passions of the greatest war 
in history will have somewhat abated. What could be more useful 
or appropriate than for the warring nations to gather in the "City 
of Brotherly Love" as North and South did in 1876, and there 
forget their differences in a peaceful Olympiad of industry. Apart 
from the world service that could thus be rendered, Philadelphia 
would, as in no other way, confirm its position as one of the ten 
great cities of the world. 



32 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

Whether you, Mr. Wanamaker, are able to render this further 
service or not, yet, without further postponing the pleasure that 
we all anticipate in hearing you, let me simply voice the sentiment 
of this audience in the words of a pagan poet, spoken two thousand 
years ago, "Sertts in coelum redeas," which being interpreted means, 
"May you get late to Heaven," and in the meantime, enjoy those 
just accompaniments of an honorable old age which, on the authority 
of the greatest master of English speech, are "love, honor, obedience, 
troops of friends." (Applause.) 

Mayor Moore: That beautiful tribute is both a fitting climax 
and an appropriate introduction. Ladies and gentlemen, our guest, 
the Honorable John Wanamaker, Merchant. (Great applause.) 

Mr. Wanamaker: Mr. Mayor, your Eminence, my beloved 
and dear friend Mr. Beck, whom I helped to drift away from 
Philadelphia when we were together in Washington, my very much 
prized comrade, Doctor Krauskopf, and dear Mr. Stotesbuiy — he 
and I walked down York Road when we were boys, and have been 
working ever since — Mr. Hylan, whom I did not expect, the mem- 
bers of the Courts, especially the Supreme Court that adjourned 
to meet with us, which makes them brothers-in-law, I think, with 
me, — those of you who have spoken so kindly, filling my eyes with 
tears, and choking my throat so that it seems too hoarse to detain 
you, those of you who have all come for the first time in your 
lives, spending your own money when I can't give you the value 
for it — how can I thank you? What can I say? I am not sure 
whether I am dreaming; I wish you would pinch me and see if I 
am awake. (Addressing Cardinal Dougherty.) 

I cannot imagine how you could have done what you have 
done today. I will show my own weak judgment of things by 
saying to you, Mr. Mayor, that if I had been at home at the time 
you and your friends planned this wonderful occasion, I should 
have done my very best to stop it, yet I deeply appreciate the time 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 33 

that you have contributed — you men of affairs, you men who have 
offices, and from whose desks the ideas and plans of life start, presi- 
dents of railroads and directors, (the directors of those wonderfully 
improved banks that the country has at this time) financiers, like 
Mr. Stotesbury, all of you men that are at a wheel that moves some- 
thing, — and I feel grateful that you have come together and given 
me such a day as this. 

I have a beautiful speech here (showing a manuscript) — beauti- 
ful, but I do not know how long it will be. I put it in shape last 
night, and thought I was going to do something with it. I won't be 
able to do it now. I will ask leave to print it. I can not do much 
more than to tell you that the rest of my life will go out toward 
other men. I have never been jealous of other men or their business, 
and now I would like to give myself more and more to your sons 
and your brothers and to those that you care for. 

There is a man; I won't call his name, somewhere about fourth 
from where I am sitting, who has been doing the same thing for the 
large part of his life— (Governor Stuart.) (Applause.) 

I said a few days ago, just to a few people, that I am no older 
today than I was when I was sixty. If anything, you have made 
me a little younger today, Mr. Beck, by your presence and your 
address. Life is a beautiful thing. Our Heavenly Father did not 
put us down here to mourn and lose ourselves in some kind of a 
fog. 

Will you just let me ramble on a bit, instead of making a set 
speech. I recall a visit to the Vatican and to St. Peter's at the time 
Pope Leo celebrated the silver anniversary of his Pontificate, and 
his ninety-second birthday. He was a beautiful old man. I 
happened to be in Rome at that time with General Patterson, and 
we together went to the ceremonies where one hundred and twenty- 
five thousand people gathered under the magnificient dome, not 
for a great affair of some sort, but as a solemn churchful of noble 
people. Well, the old Pope was very feeble and his friends were 



3-1 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

sympathizing with him about his health. One of his old friends 
came up to him and said, "Your Holiness, you look pretty well. 
You seem to have gotten over your ailments," and went on to com- 
pliment him and cheer him, and he said, "Why, I think you might 
live to be a hundred." The Pope was ninety-two. The little man, 
with his smiling face, his beautiful little hands, as I saw them 
folded over his breast, said, "Why limit me?" 

I am so glad to get up in the morning and see the sun rise, 
and be thankful for the beautiful light — and I believe that the 
Father who made the sun that keeps the world in proper order and 
lights the stars, and can do so without the help of Mr. Edison or any 
of us. — He means to tell us every day that He will give us the light 
and comfort and help to see the things and to do the things. Life 
is indeed a beautiful thing. The world is unfinished. We are here 
to play our part in it. We want to make the best of our own lives, 
and we want very much to help you also, Mayor Hylan, and you, 
Mr. Mayor, and all who are about us, to do their work. 

I think I would like to forget that I am speaking to men that 
have made successes; I only want to think of you as old comrades 
and friends that have gathered around me today, and have been 
so prodigal of your time as to spend so much of it with me. I 
never had a happier day in my life than today, when I was taken by 
the Mayor down to the Old Hall and saw anew the copy of the 
old Declaration as it is hanging there on the wall. I could not have 
said a word down there, but if one asked me what I did while I was 
there, I would say that I did just what Charles Wagner did, upon 
a certain occasion when he was here. I sent him off during the day 
to different places, including Independence Hall, and when he came 
back I asked: "What did you do at Independence Hall?" With 
his eyes filling up with tears, he said: "Why, it is a sanctuary." He 
was a dear old man; I think the war broke his heart. Yet he was 
too young to pass away. The world needs such men. 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 35 

I believe that I have stood up very close to my friend, born 
in Pennsylvania, educated in Philadelphia, who has brought the 
greatest honor to the City and the State they have had for many 
years — his Eminence, the Cardinal. Yet I can remember the time 
when I came here as a boy and went up Fourth Street, and looked 
at the Catholic Churches that the "native Americans" (as they 
called themselves) set on fire. I can really remember the time when 
some Protestants would not speak to Catholics, and perhaps vice 
versa. I do thank God from my heart that I feel a friendship for 
this man that would lead me, I think, to do anything that he would 
ask me. I believe it is a good thing for all of us to get closer to- 
gether, to get nearer to each other, and to know each other. The 
better we understand each other, the more we will do for each other. 

Now, (turning to the Cardinal) I should like to answer the 
questions you have asked me, if I may take a little time. Most all 
speeches are too long. People would enjoy them better if they were 
not so long. I shall be just as brief as I can. 

His Eminence asked me, "Could you tell me anything that 
would lead me to understand how you succeeded and got along?" 
Well, that is such a wide question that I think I might keep you a 
long time, but I will only say a very few words about it. Where 
shall I begin? Perhaps the very best place would be one night 
many years ago when I stood at a railing over on Sansom Street 
looking down into the lecture room of the John Chambers Church. 
I was just as likely,— as a country boy,— to go to a moving picture 
show if there had been any, but there were other things to do. The 
salesman in the store where I was employed asked me if I wouldn't 
come to church there some time, and I went into the church and 
sat down in the back seat-, or the one next to it— I am not trying to 
talk about myself, I am trying to answer your question— and an 
old gentleman during the meeting— very old, with white hair- 
stood up and said : "You know me, I am nearing the end of my life, 
I can't work any longer, and I am just waiting to have the door 



36 SIXTY YEARS A MERC H A N T 

opened to let me go." I said to myself sitting there, "That's very 
nice, but I am only a young man, just beginning — only a boy." A 
young fellow got up and said: "This is the last place that I ever 
thought I would get up in to say anything. I never wanted to come 
to church. I wanted to go on the stage. Now I am a journeyman 
hatter. I have become a member of the church. I am very happy." 
And all that would have been general talk, but he continued: "Since 
I have settled some things" — I think he said — "Since I have settled 
the matter, why," he said, "do you know that I can do my work 
better?" He said: "My tools work better." Dear me, how many 
people go through their lives without having something settled. It 
made a great impression on me. This had an influence upon my 
life. I just simply felt that there was something I could do with the 
days as they came. I gave them my best. I do not have to stop 
worrying, because I have never begun to do that. It seems a waste 
of time. What you have got to do, do it. And there is so much 
to do. 

You made a reference — both of the speakers made a reference 
to the Post Office Department. I hadn't the slightest idea of ever 
going into politics, not the slightest, but Grover Cleveland, when 
he was President, at the close of his first term, sent out the word, 
which was a noble thing for him to do, (but, I was a Republican, 
and I didn't care for political views that were not Republican) about 
a revision of the tariff. President Cleveland said: "I am changing 
my mind about the tariff, and I want you to understand that I believe 
we are wrong about the tariff." 

I remember going into my office one day, soon after the excite- 
ment this created, and after they had asked me if I wouldn't "do 
something", and walking about and saying "Mr. Stotesbury, wouldn't 
it be better to give some attention to trying to prevent the Country's 
business from breaking down, rather than wait until it does break, 
and then try to recover it?" Just that thought led me to do what 
I could. Now, I want to tell you a secret. I couldn't do it long ago, 



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SHOWING THE OLD A. T. STEWART STORE AND THE N 
WANAMAKER BUILDING. HISTORIC GRACE CHURCH 
IN THE FOREGROUND. 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 37 

because people would say it should not be told. There were ten 
besides myself in a certain accounting room, and I said to the gentle- 
men — they called me to the chair, although I was the youngest man 
there: "You can't be as much surprised to see me in this chair as I 
am to be in this meeting," and we just talked on the idea for a few 
minutes, for it was a great deal better to insure good times than to 
get into a loss that we couldn't repay. Each of those men subscribed 
ten thousand dollars. I do not think there was any man that gave 
more, and I think it was myself who gave three or four hundred 
dollars in subscriptions to some clubs or something of that kind, but 
I am free to say, and I say it here today because there is a great deal 
of wisdom in it — we spend far too much money at present in elec- 
tions and in trying to uphold what the people don't want. They have 
suffered from a power that has been built up and ought to be unbuilt. 
I think that whole Harrison election didn't cost over four hundred 
thousand dollars. 

I never expected to be in politics in any way, but General Harri- 
son sent for me to go to Indianapolis, offered me a position in his 
Cabinet — one of the "easiest" secretaryships — I said: "I can't do 
it, I don't want a lazy place; if I take anything I will take the hardest 
place you have got," and he put me in the Post Office Department. 
The best thing he ever did for the Post Office Department was to 
let me alone. I had my own way and did things along business lines. 
I said that the best food for the contentment of far away people, not 
near to Post Offices, not near to newspapers, is the food of the post- 
man, and that is the secret of the little boxes along the lanes, and I 
had just one idea about it— something to get to them the newspapers. 
Why do I tell you that? If I hadn't been a merchant, I would 
never have had the opportunity to do these things. It was the 
interest in the wants of a community that led me to do something, to 
try to make things easier and better, and that opened the door for 
the great experience I had in trying to minister to the people. 



38 SIXTY YE /IRS A MERCHANT 

You asked me if I had hard work to do? It was the kind of 
haul work that you have to do — with our brains. I never felt I had 
any hard work. I just felt that I had work that was worth doing, 
and kept on at it, and kept on. I never stop until the work is done, 
and I believe that every institution that we have in this City, and 
every interest that we have, requires more time, more industry, and 
to the extent that you put in it, you get the compensation for it. 

We have a wonderful City. I hope we realize our birthright— 
the good fortune to be born in the city where General Washington 
lived. I brought this old directory. (Shows old book.) Stevens' 
Philadelphia Directory for 1796, one hundred and twenty-five years 
ago, and there is George Washington's name, just as a resident, in it 
— George Washington as living at 190 High Street. I feel that 
Benjamin Franklin is still walking about these streets — the invincible 
spirit of him. You can not go into the Old State House without 
feeling the presence of the men that have not died. Thomas Jeffer- 
son isn't dead. Think of those great men that wrote the Declaration, 
or the Constitution. It seems to me that to let any city get ahead 
of Philadelphia is marking us down, because we have got the ability 
to keep it up. Our port isn't anything like it will be. I think that 
you will be so crowded if you don't make proper preparation for 
it that you will have to use both shores for docks for steamers. 

Philadelphia was once the first of the American cities, then it 
got to be second, and now it is the third, and after Mayor Hylan 
goes out and we get a chance at some other Mayor that doesn't do his 
work half as well, I think we can steal a little of the New York 
spirit and New York shipping. We have got the men, we have got 
the location, for the Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition. Why, dear me, 
I wore all my shoes out getting the first million dollars subscribed 
for the old Centennial. They put me on the Finance Committee, 
of , which I am the only surviving member. 

Let's bring the world in to our Sesqui-Centennial, this discon- 
tented world, the jealous world, the unsympathetic world — let them 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERF ICE 39 

come and see what our spirit is, let's greet them as friends, let's give 
them the opportunity. If they can't come, and can't bring their rug 
works and silk works and calico works, etc. — if they will have noth- 
ing to do with it, then I like the idea that someone suggested — if they 
will put their products under buildings to make an exhibition, we 
can give them credit against their loans. 

May I say to you, that America never had a greater opportunity. 
The most magnificent opportunity that any country ever had is 
before us, to celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth Anniversary of 
a flag that means more than any other for the contentment and peace 
and hope of the world. (Applause.) Let us ask the people in 
Europe to come back and enjoy the peace that we have got. Let 
us encourage them as much as we can; they want our markets more 
than they want anything in the world. First, we have got to take 
care of ourselves, but there is something in an American heart that 
wants prosperity not only for himself but for other people. We 
can't prosper just by ourselves. The country must learn that. We 
can't put a wall about ourselves, we must keep the gates open and 
have prosperity together. 

Why should I talk to you all this time? When I got up I 
thought of George H. Stuart. I often heard him tell about a man 
that fell from the top story of a building; he had been carrying up 
a hod with bricks in it, and when he fell down to the bottom under 
his load, his comrade up at the top called down: "Pat, Pat, are you 
killed?" and Pat called back, as he crawled about a little, "No, I 
am not killed, I am speechless." I felt as if it was an imposition 
to take so much of your time when you have been so gracious and 
beautiful in giving the middle of the day—the heart of the day, to 
me, and I simply wanted to thank you for it. I want to say to you, 
if you have a son or a brother, and he is just starting, and you think 
I can help him, I will be so delighted to tell him more of how each 
day gives encouragement when he is trying his best. I believe that 
what you have done for me today, so unexpected by myself, will 



40 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

have an influence, not only in this but in other cities, that we shall 
feel nearer to each other, wanting the other man to have the same 
opportunity and interest, "with malice toward none and charity to 
all." If you can't say a good word, hold your tongue— say the good 
word or say nothing. 

To return to the Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition. If you younger 
men will take it up, some of us will help you, and we will show 
you how the last was done. It was done by a very few men, but 
they gave themselves for it. You can light the cigar that you have 
with the little burning glass just by focusing the rays of the sun— I 
don't know whether the word is quite right— but I would like to say 
if you could focalize your energies, your brains, your time, you can 
do the greatest thing that could come to the world in the present 
generation. I would love to help you. I am sure I like to be here 
now with men that see the sense of things and want to put them 
into operation. 

I shall never be able to thank you for the inspiration that you 
have given me today, (undeserved, I think, a great deal, so far as 
I am concerned) but I shall try to pass on everything that you have 
said that was cheerful, and instead of sitting down to cry, I shall 
try to whistle every time I come near you. (Great applause.) 

MAYOR Moore: The feast of oratory has closed. What say 
you as to three cheers for our distinguished guest? (Three long, 
hearty cheers were given for Mr. Wanamaker, and the distinguished 
gathering, after singing a verse of "America" and greeting Mr. 
Wanamaker, slowly dispersed.) The "Wanamaker Testimonial" 
had passed into history. 

In addition to the letters already quoted, many other letters were 
received in connection with the celebration. A very few of them 
are appended: 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 41 

Tun Secretary of the Navy 
Washington 

20 April, 1921. 
My dear Mayor Moore: 

I need not tell you how greatly I appreciate your courteous invitation of April 
14th, that I attend the luncheon to be tendered Hon. John Wanamaker by the 
citizens of Philadelphia and vicinity at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, Tuesday, April 
26th. It so happens that I am leaving the city the following day for the President's 
review of the Fleet, and the press of official duties on the day preceding my departure 
will necessarily preclude my goinj; to Philadelphia at that time. I should consider it 
a great privilege to be present on this occasion and do honor to Mr. Wanamaker. 

Sincerely yours, 

Edwin Denby 



The Secretary of State 
Washington 

April 18, 1921 
My dear Mr. Mayor: 

I have received your letter of April 14th and I appreciate most cordially your 
invitation to attend the luncheon on April 26th in honor of Honorable John Wana- 
maker. It would give me much pleasure, were it possible to join in appropriate 
recognition of the distinguished services of Mr. Wanamaker, and 1 am sorry that I 
must forego this opportunity. Will you kindly extend to him on my behalf most 

cordial greetings? , r ■ , 

B b Very sincerely yours, 

Charles E. Hughes 



United States Senate 
committee on coast and insular survey 

April 22, 1921 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore: 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

My dear Mayor: 

I have delayed acknowledging your kind invitation of the 14th inst. to partici- 
pate in the luncheon in celebration of Mr. Wanamaker's splendid career until I could 
see if it were possible to arrange it. I am such a strong admirer of Mr. Wanamaker 
and appreciate so thoroughly his splendid contributions to the success of the country 
that I shall consider it a privilege to join in this merited tribute and testimonial. It 
happens that I expect to attend a meeting in Atlantic City that evening, Tuesday the 
26th; I note your luncheon is scheduled for 12.30 at the Bellevue-Stratford. I believe 



42 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

that I shall be able to arrange to leave Washington early enough Tuesday morning 
to stop off at the luncheon en route to Atlantic City. The fact that I was born in 
Philadelphia and that the name of John Wanamaker has from childhood days been 
almost like an inspiration, makes me really very desirous of at least dropping in on the 
good citizens of Philadelphia at this time. 

With personal regards, Sincerely yours, 

Walter E. Edge 



THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY 

Nineteenth and Walnut Streets 

April 13, 1921 
My dear Mr. Wanamaker: 

I wish to join my voice with the voices of many in congratulating you upon 
sixty yeais of service in business. It is a great and wonderful work you have done 
in the business world. But as a minister I would particularly thank God for your 
religious work which has kept splendid pace with your business career. Only eternity 
can measure the good you have done in the Cause of Christ. But we can see and 
know much even here on earth, and as a worker together with you, I thank God for 
all your spiritual service. May He grant you yet many years of activity both in 
church and in business. 

I am filled with regret that an important meeting in New York, April 26th, 
must keep me from the "Testimonial Dinner." 

Sincerely yours, 

Floyd W. Tom kins 



United States Senate 
Washington, D. C. 

April 15, 1921 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore, 
Philadelphia, Penna. 

Dear Mr. Mayor: 

I am grateful for the compliment you pay me in requesting my attendance, 
April 26, 1921, upon the notable occasion indicated by you, the 60th anniversary of 
the advent into mercantile life of the Honorable John Wanamaker. 

This is a unique demonstration, but we must not forget that Mr. Wanamaker 
is altogether unique as a great merchant, statesman and philanthropist. His name 
stands for all that is fine and commendable in our Twentieth Century civilization. The 
country is to be congratulated that Mr. Wanamaker has been permitted to attain 
so advanced an age, and to maintain at par the splendid virility of an up-to-date, 
progressive American citizen. 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 43 

I greatly regret that my official engagements in Washington prevent my acceptance 
of the invitation to he present upon the occasion mentioned, and to join in paying 
tiihute to so masterful and representative an American. Trusting the gathering may 
be a memorable one, as I feel sure it will, I am, 

Very truly yours 
(Signed) J. S. Frelinghuysen, U. S. S. 

Broad Street Station 

Philadelphia, April 13, 1921 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore, 
City Hall, 
Philadelphia, Penna. 

My dear Mr. Mayor: 

Your letter of April 8th has been received, and I have read with great pleasure 
of the arrangements being made to tender to Hon. John Wanamaker a testimonial 
in the form of a luncheon participated in by some of his many friends and admirers, 
to mark the close of his sixty years in active business. 

I do wish it were possible for me to attend this luncheon, as I should be delighted 
to join in paying tribute to one whose remarkable achievements in the world of 
business, as also his sterling citizenship and distinguished record of public service, 
richly merit any honors that the City of Philadelphia or its citizens can pay him. 

To my keen regret, however, engagements to which I am committed, call for 
my absence from the city on April 26th, and thus it will be impossible for me to be 
present at the luncheon on that account. 

I want you to know that I appreciate your Committee's kind thought of me 



this connection. 



Yours very truly, 



(Signed) W. W. Atterbury 



Bishop's House 

251 South 22nd Street 

Philadelphia 

April 18, 1921 
Dear Mr. Mayor: 

I very greatly appreciate your invitation on April 14th to attend a luncheon 
to be given to the Honorable John Wanamaker, on Tuesday, April 26th. 

I greatly regret that an important out of town Church appointment on that 
date will prevent my accepting. I have a high regard for Mr. Wanamaker and 
should very much like to be associated in this occasion to be held in his honor. 
With cordial regards, Very sincere ly yours, 

(Signed) Philip M. Rhinelander 



44 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

The Central National Bank 
Philadelphia 

April 13, 1921 
Mr. Edward Robins, Secretary, 
Mayor's Office, 
Philadelphia, Penna. 

My dear Mr. Robins: 

The writer very much regrets that owing to health conditions he will not be 
able to attend the luncheon to be given to the Honorable John Wanamaker. Mr. 
Wanamaker stands in a class all by himself, as the foremost merchant in the world 
at this time — at eighty-two years a man of courage, initiative, aggressiveness, public 
spirit and a leader. 

Very truly yours, 

William Post 



Corn Exchange National Bank 
Philadelphia 

April 13, 1921 
My dear Mr. Mayor: 

It gives me a great deal of pleasure to accept the invitation to the luncheon to 
be tendered to Mr. Wanamaker. 

I think it is about time that Philadelphia recognized this wonderful merchant, 
and am only too happy to be among those who pay honor to him in this way. 

Very truly yours, 

(Signed) Chas S. Calwell 



James F. Sullivan 

market street national bank 

Philadelphia 

April 13, 1921 
Dear Mr. Robins: 

1 have known and esteemed Mr. Wanamaker nearly all my life. He made 
Jus mark early in life and never stopped growing. His life has been an example and 
an inspiration. 

Truly yours, 

(Signed) James F. Sullivan 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 45 

Emil P. Albrecht 
The Bourse, Philadelphia 

April 13, 1921 
Mr. Edward Robins, Sec'y-Treas., 
Wanamaker Testimonial Luncheon, 
Philadelphia, Penna. 

My dear Mr. Robins: 

I sincerely regret that ahsence in attendance at the meeting of the National 
Councillors of the Chamber of Commerce of the U. S. A. on Tuesday, April 26th, 
prevents me from having the pleasure of attending the luncheon which is to be 
tendered to Hon. John Wanamaker on that day. 

The testimonial is a most fitting one and I sincerely regret my inability to take 
part but I must be at the other meeting to support the resolutions introduced by 
the Bourse asking approval of the United States Chamber of the Sesqui-Centennial 
Exposition plans in 1926. 

Will you kindly express to the Mayor, as Chairman of the Committee, mv 
feeling of disappointment that I cannot be in two places at once. 
Very truly yours, 

(Signed) Emil P. Albrecht 



Alvan Markle 
Hazleton, Pennsylvania 

April 14, 1921 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore, 
Chairman, and Committee, 
City Hall, Philadelphia, Pa. 

My dear Mr. Mayor: 

It is with great regret that I will be compelled to decline your very kind 
invitation to attend the Luncheon at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa., 
Tuesday, April 26th, at 12.30 o'clock in honor of the Hon. John Wanamaker, as 
a citizen and merchant. 

Being a great admirer of Mr. Wanamaker, 1 am more than sorry that previous 
engagements prevent my being present. 

With kind regards, I am, 

Yours very sincerely, 

(Signed) Alvan Markle 



SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

The Speaker's Rooms 

house of representatives 

Washington, D. C. 



April 15, 1921 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore, 
Office of the Mayor, 
Philadelphia, Penna. 

My dear Mayor Moore: 

I have \our kind letter of the 14th, and the invitation you extend on behalf 
of the citizens of Philadelphia to come to the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Honorable 
John Wanamafcer as a merchant is certainly a most attractive one, but Congress will 
be in session, and it will not be possible for me to leave Washington at that time. 

With many thanks and regrets, I am, 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) F. H. Gillett 



Franklin D'Olier 
300 Chestnut Street 

Philadelphia, April 19, 1921 
Edward Robins, Esq., 

City Hall, 

My dear Mr. Robins: 

Unfortunately, a previous engagement will take me out of town Tuesday, April 
26th, which I regret very much indeed, as it would be a great pleasure for me, 
otherwise, to be present at the dinner to be given in honor of Mr. Wanamaker. 

Mr. Wanamakcr's contributions to this city have been of such a nature that 
his fellow citizens should show in this manner their appreciation of his unselfish 
public service, and I am exceedingly sorry that it will be impossible for me to be 
on hand at that time- 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Franklin D'Olier 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 47 

Department of Public Instruction 

Harrisburg, Pa. 

.. .. D April 20, 1921 

My dear Mr. Robins: 

I regret that important engagements at Harrisburg during the closing days of the 
General Assembly will prevent my acceptance of the invitation to attend the testi- 
monial luncheon to be given in honor of The Honorable John Wanamaker at 
Philadelphia on April 26th. 

Were it possible to attend such luncheon I should avail myself of this privilege 
for the puipose of showing my esteem for Mr. Wanamaker and my appreciation 
of the service which he has rendered in the improvement of our social, political 
and educational problems. 

Mr. Edward Robins, 

Major's Office, 

City Hall, 

Philadelphia, Pa. 

Very sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Thos. E. Finegan 



Supreme Court of Pennsylvania 
Judges' Chamber 

t u *t A P ril 20 > 1921 

Hon. J. Hampton Moore, 

Mayor, Philadelphia, Pa. 

My dear Mr. Mayor: 

We have arranged to take a recess on Tuesday next, April 26, from 12.30 till 
2 o'clock, so the members may attend the testimonial luncheon to The Honorable 
John Wanamaker. 

I expect that at least five members of the court will be able to participate in 

the event. „. . 

Sincerely yours, 

Robert Von Moschzisker 



Rodney A. Mercur 
Towanda, Pa. 

»/f m w A P ril 22 > 1921 

My dear Mr. Wanamaker: 

I felt highly complimented by an invitation to attend the Testimonial Luncheon 

to be given in your honor next Tuesday, and I had hoped I could arrange my 

engagements to attend. Much to my regret, I find I cannot do so. You are worthy 

of this testimonial, and this function is a fitting one. 



48 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

The members of our family recall with pleasure, when you were our welcome 
guest, twenty-five years ago, and in our house closed the deal for the purchase of 
your New York store. The chair you occupied, and its position, are pointed out, 
and your photograph hangs upon the wall of our library. 

With kind regards from all the members of our family, I am, 

Yours truly, 

(Signed) R. A. Mercur 



Dr. W. W. Keen 
1729 Chestnut Street 

Philadelphia, April 25, 1021 
My dear Mr. Wanamaker: 

I regret that I cannot be present to felicitate you on a long and most useful 
life. You have done a wonderful work in this city, in industry, education, religion, 
in public life and in the wide influence of an upright life. Such a career is one to 
be envied and to be imitated. Your old friend, 

(Signed) W. W. Keen 
Hon. John Wanamaker. 



Lawrence, Johnson & Co. 

Philadelphia, April 27, 1921 
Mayor J. Hampton Moore: 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Dear Sir: 

During these upset times, when business moral seems to be weakening, such a 
public function as took place yesterday at the Bellevuc-Stratford, in commemorating 
Mr. John Wanamaker's completion of sixty years of commercial life, cannot fail 
but have an influence for good. The testimonial accomplished not only the original 
idea of fittingly paying honour where honour was due, but at the same time brought 
forcibly to the attention of the business community that at all times it pays to play 
the game fair. 

It seems to me, therefore, that those taking part, even by their mere presence 
helped in that which will undoubtedly leave a deep impression. The very thought of 
this feature may, if brought to Mr. Wanamaker's attention, cause him even more 
joy than that portion which particularly applied to himself. 

The whole world needs a rededication to the principals of the square deal and 
the golden rule. If the Merchant Prince can, in his own way, help light the torch 
vthat will illuminate the dark and uncertain road, over which business men are now 
traveling, he will be performing an act that will add lustre to his already useful 
career. Very truly yours, 

(Signed) Francis S. Gallager 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 49 

Ellis Pusey Passmore 
307 Chestnut Street 

Philadelphia, April 25, 1921 
Hon. John Wanamaker, 
Thirteenth and Chestnut Streets, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Dear Mr. Wanamaker: 

It is with very keen regret that I find I must be in New York tomorrow and 
therefore will not be able to attend the luncheon in your honor as I had fully 
intended. 

However, I cannot permit the occasion to pass without extending my personal 
felicitations to you upon your remarkable term of years in active business, during 
which you have brought such great honor to yourself and to the community of which 
you are such a conspicuous part, to say nothing of your notable contribution to the 
welfare of your country at large. May you be spared many years to enjoy the well 
deserved fruits of your industrious and intelligent work. 
Yours sincerely, 

(Signed) E. Pusey Passmore 



New York Avenue Presbyterian Church 
Washington, D. C. 

April 25, 1921 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore: 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

My dear Sir: 

I regret that special and imperative duties here will prevent my presence at 
the complimentary Dinner April 26th, 1921, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel to Mr. 
John Wanamaker whom I love dearly for his sterling and attractive character and 
whom I join with a great multitude in honoring for his extraordinary business career 
and for his wise, patriotic and beneficent service in church and State. 

Sincerely, 
(Signed) Wallace Radcliffe 



50 SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 

Western Union Telegram 

Philadelphia, April 26, 1921 
Hon. John Wanamaker, 

Your neighbors and friends of Jenkintown are greatly pleased to join with 
the many others upon this occasion in extending to you their felicitations and good 
wishes. 

Jenkintown Improvement Association 

Philip Kind, President 



Associated Advertising Clubs of the World 

New York, April 26, 1921 
Hon. J. Hampton Moore: 
City Hall, 
Philadelphia, Pa. 

Dear Mr. Mayor: 

The Associated Advertising Clubs of the World, composed of two hundred 
advertising clubs and over twenty thousand members, wish to express to Mr. John 
Wanamaker, upon his completion of sixty years of successful businees, their apprecia- 
tion of the high standards in advertising, which he many years ago established and 
has maintained. 

Our efforts for better advertising will be successful as we live up to those same 
standards. 

We wish him many more years of happiness and achievement. 

Yours very truly, 

(Signed) Rowe Stewart 

President 




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DEDICATED I)i: 



Wanamaker Store, Philadelphia 

iMBER 30, 191 I, BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 



51 



THOSE PRESENT 



A. Lincoln Acker 
Herbert D. Allman 
J. M. Anders 
Richard L. Austin 
Cyrus N. Anderson 
D. L. Anderson 
Edwin L. Adams 
Joseph H. Appel 
John W. Appel 
Robert Allen 
W. Patterson Atkinson 
Norris S. Barratt 
J. E. Burnett Buckenham 
Samuel T. Bodine 
Harry F. Bird 
Dimner Beeber 
John Bachman 
John C. Bell 
Seward L. Bowser 
Charles E. Bartlett 
Franklin N. Brewer 
Josiah Bunting 
Rev. J. Gray Bolton 
Gabriel Blum 
Hugh Black 
Be F. L. Bachman 
Wendell P. Bowman 
C. H. Borie, Jr. 
John W. Barnes 
Edwin C. Broome 
Barclay Boyd 
Edward W. Bok 
William G. Berlinger 
Charles P. Blinn, Jr. 
Edward H. Bonsall 
Samuel Bell, Jr. 
Frank W. Buhler 
W. P. Barba 
Bishop Joseph F. Berry 
Samuel B. Brown 



W. E. Bernard 
James M. Beck 
John Burt 
J. Woods Brown 
C. C. A. Baldi 
E. I. Bacon 
Arthur C. Bigelow 
A. M. Beitler 
V. J. Bradley 
Henry P. Burke 
James T. Cortelyou 
Frederic H. Cruger 
Frank H. Caven 
Alfred G. Clay 
Charles J. Cohen 
Gordon H. Cilley 
William J. Conlen 
Robert C. Cope 
John F. Combs 
Allen G. Cressman 
Samuel M. Curwen 
Rt. Rev. Michael J. Crane 
J. Howell Cummings 
Walter H. Cox 
John G. Carruth 
William Campbell, Jr. 
Theodore Cramp 
John W. Coles 
Cyrus H. K. Curtis 
John Cadwalader 
Charles S. Calwell 
Robert M. Coyle 
John L. Clawson 
Isaac H. Clothier, Jr. 
George W. Carr 
William M. Coates 
J. W. M. Cardeza 
Morris L. Cooke 
Milton Campbell 
John G. Clark 



52 



SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 



James F. Cooke 
Samuel M. Clement, Jr. 
Samuel Crothers 
Edward C. Caldwell 
Harry H. Cook 
Louis Crispin 
Agnew T. Dice 
Hugh Dougherty 
F. X. Dercum 
Val Dysert 
Judson Daland 
John F. Dwyer 
W. L. Detmold 
Thomas F. Dixon 
John P. Dwyer 
Samuel J. Dallas 
John B. Deaver 
Leonard R. Dirks 
James Dobson 
Robert D. Dripps 
D. W. Dietrich 
Charles B. Dunn 
John M. Di Silvestro 
T. Monroe Dobbins 

George D. Dixon 

Jacob S. Disston 

Dennis, Cardinal Dougherty 

Thomas Devlin 

C. A. Daniel 

Charles H. Dean 

Henry G. Drueding 

Harry M. Dannenbaum 

Richard Delafield 

N. Perry Edmunds 

Charles J. Eisenlohr 

Walter E. Edge 

Richard E. Enright 

William T. Ellis 

Henry H. Ellison 

Morris Earle 

James V. Ellison 

George B. Evans 

Charles H. Edmunds 

Louis H. Eisenlohr 



George G. Embick 
John S. Eberbach 
C. H. Ewing 
Rev. Roger S. Forbes 
E. Miner Fenton 
Reese M. Fleischman 
N. T. Folwell 
Howard B. French 
Lewis Frambes 
William W. Fitler 
Samuel W. Fales 
George H. Frazier 
John Franzen 
Horace Fortescue 
James R. Fairley 
Frank Feeney 
Alexander H. Findlay 
William Freihofer 
Nevin F. Fisher 
Frederick C. Fiechter 
Daniel B. Frazier 
H. B. Frazer 
Charles E. Fernberg 
C. Lincoln Furbush 
Francis S. Gallager 
Austin Gray 
Louis Goldsmith 
Louis Gallop 
James Gay Gordon 
Herbert A. Gibbons 
Edward A. Grace 
William H. Geary 
Joseph J. Greenberg 
C. C. Gearheart 
Emil Guenther 
O. M. Gaiser 
William P. Gesel 
William Graham 
John Gribbel 
S. W. Gadd 
Ellis A. Gimbel 
Robert Glendinning 
James E. Gorman 
Francis G. Gallager 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 



53 



H. E. Gillingham 
William Gyger 
J. Campbell Gilmore 
James Goold 

A. H. Geuting 

B. W. Greer, Jr. 
Ira D. Garman 
Paul VV. Gibbons 
John J. Gallagher 
Albert R. Granger 
WillB. Hadley 
William C. Haddock 
John C. Hingler 
Joseph H. Hoar 

J. Warren Hutchins 
S. W. Huber 
H. O. Hildebrand 
T. T. Harney 
Charles R. Hamilton 
J. Guy Hawthorne 
George Henderson 
George A. Hause 
Henry R. Hatfield 
Carl Herschel 
Job E. Hedges 
William O. Hempstead 
William S. Haines 
Samuel F. Houston 
Clement R. Hoopes 
Bayard Henry 
William K. Haupt 
Philip A. Hubner 
George A. Huhn 
Charles E. Hires 
George F. Hoffman 
C. S. Hawkins 
William H. Harding 
Howard Heinz 
Rev. J. Henry Harms 
Thomas A. Hayes 
John Hawthorne 
Sumner R. Hollander 
John F. Hylan 
Ellwood Ivins 



A. R. Iliff 
Charles E. Ingersoll 
Warner H. Jenkins 
Alfred J. Johnston 
George W. Jacobs 
Edward C. Jacoby 
Theodore Justice 
Percy H. Johnston 
Alba B. Johnson 
William J. Johnston 
John S. Jenks 
W. E. Jordan 
Augustine Joussard 
Charles F. Jenkins 
Theodore Jensen 
John D. Johnson 
Joseph Joiner 
William K. Jeffries 
Harry T. Jordan 
Charles P. Jordan 
James R. Johnston 
Plumer E. Jefferis 
W. Freeland Kendrick 
Murdoch Kendrick 
M. C. Kennedy 
Philip Kind 

George W. Kendrick, 3rd. 
Josiah Kisterback, Jr. 
Gustave A. Kuemmerle 
Edwin F. Keen 
N. B. Kelly 
Irving Kohn 
Edward V. Kane 
Harry C. Kahn 
Rev. Joseph Krauskopf 
William G. Knowles 
John W. Kephart 
David Kirshbaum 
William Kirkpatrick 
Charles Kloss 
Howard Kratz 
Arthur H. Lea 
W. G. Littleton 
Preston P. Lynn 



54 



SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 



William Lyons 
Isaac M. Loughead 
George Lyndoe 
Robert G. Le Conte 
Samuel D. Lit 
Harvey Learch 
John C. Lowry 
Morris Lamb 
William D. Lewis 
Samuel Latta 
Hamilton T. Lloyd 
Horatio G. Lloyd 
John W. Liberton 
R. D. Leonard 
John Luther Long 
Davis S. Ludlum 
Ernest Laplace 
C. N. Lauer 
Robert Lewis 

C. H. Landenberger 
Fred G. Lee 

J. Hampton Moore 

D. H. McAlpin 
Samuel H. Miller 
I. D. Mullen 
William T. Marston 
Effingham B. Morris 
T. E. Mitten 
Louis C. Madeira 
William J. Montgomery 
Randal Morgan 

A. E. Maltby 
Spencer K. Mulford 
David Milne 
Harrison S. Morris 
Walter P. Miller 
William W. Matos 
J. Willis Martin 
John K. Mohr 
John H. Mason 
Thomas E. Murphy 
Charles E. Morris 
Norman MacLeod 
J. Wade McGowin 



George H. McFadden 
Frank E. Miller 
John D. Mcllhenny 
William J. McCaughan 
William B. Mills 
William McCoach 
William McFarland 
Joseph B. McCall 
John F. McDermott 
Joseph J. McCaffrey 
John McDonald 
Frank B. McClain 
Owen T. McMaster 
E. J. McAleer 
Samuel MacLaughlin 
Andrew C. McGowin 
Samuel McReynolds 
Charles W. Neeld 
Frederick Nichols 
William R. Nicholson 
Louis M. Nulton 
John R. Neison 
William L. Nevin 
William J. Ostheimer 
John J. O'Sullivan 
James P. A. O'Conor 
George Wharton Pepper 
Daniel H. Paret 
William G. Price, Jr. 
M. W. Poole 
E. Pusey Passmore 
John M. Patterson 
Lincoln K. Passmore 
Josiah H. Penniman 
James H. Penniman 
John W. Pearce 
E. S. Palmer 
William Potter 
Michael G. Price 
William G. Price 
Fred T. Pusey 
H. A. Poth 
E. J. Porteous 
Harry L. Peak 



SIXTY YEARS OF SERVICE 



55 



Richard Quinn 
Samuel Rea 
E. F. Rivinus 
Levi L. Rue 
Edward Robins 
William Rowen 
William T. Riley 
Frank M. Riter 
Armin W. Riley 
Samuel P. Rotan 
Gustav Rumpf 
Alexander Russell 
Frederick A. Riehle 
Warren W. Rush 
W. Richardson 
William E. Rice 
Francis J. Rue 
H. K. Regar 
V. Gilpin Robinson 
P. F. Rothermel, Jr. 
T. Edward Ross 
John C. Rowland 
Godfrey R. Rebmann 
H. D. Reese 
A. D. W. Smith 
Thomas J. Sinclair 
John W. Schell 
Eugene L. Shloss 
Edwin S. Stuart 
Joseph Spatola 
George H. Sherwood 
John L. Steele 
J. J. Sullivan 
Thomas F. Slattery 
Charles A. Snyder 
Samuel F. Scattergood 
Howard Sellers 
A. L. Skilton 
James F. Sullivan 
T. Yorke Smith 
John P. Sinnott 
Horace Stern 
G. N. Simpson 
Joseph M. Steele 



Albert F. Strasburger 
Joseph N. Snellenburg 
Frank Smyth 
Franklin Smedley 
John F. Sinnott 
Edward T. Stotesbury 
William L. Supplee 
George W. Stull 
Robert B. Sterling 
Frank Snyder 
Joseph H. Scott 
J. Hutchinson Scott, Jr. 
David J. Smyth 
Rowe Stewart 
C. Henderson Supplee 
C. A. Stinson 

E. K. Selig 

M. D. Swisher 
Durell Shuster 
Francis R. Strawbridge 
George F. Sproule 

F. J. Shoyer 
John P. Sykes 
William I. Schaffer 
James B. Sheehan 
Theodore B. Thompson 
William Thorpe 
William J. Turner 
W. W. Taylor 

C. Burgess Taylor 
S. B. Tily 
Ernest L. Tustin 
Edward Taylor 
T. Mellor Tyson 
John Turner 
John E. Talley 
Hollinshead Taylor 
H. B. Tyson 
William S. Twining 
Herbert K. Twitchell 
Gilbert G. Thorne 
Robert von Moschzisker 
Illvan Van Sant 
E. A. Van Valkenburg 



56 



SIXTY YEARS A MERCHANT 



Joseph B. Van Dusen, Jr. 
Marcel A. Viti 
S. M. Vauclain 
Jacques L. Vauclain 
Alexander Van Rensselaer 
Charles H. von Tagen 
J. B. Van Sciver 
George D. Van Sciver 
John Wanamaker 
William H. Wilson 
John O. Wilson 
Charles E. Wolbert 
Benjamin C. Warnick 
John T. Windrim 
George W. Ward 
Alfred L. Ward 
William Wood 
J. Atwood White 
Stewart Wilson 
Asa S. Wing 
Albert H. Wiggins 
William H. Wetherill 
Harry E. Ward 
George Wood 
Grover A. Whalen 
S. D. Warriner 
William E. Wood 
M. J. Whittall 



Rodman Wanamaker 
Samuel Wetherill, Jr. 
J. D. Williams 
James J. Whelen 
James E. Wilson 
Clarence Wolf 
John Wanamaker, 3rd. 
William H. Wanamaker 
Charles White 
George B. Wells 
Charles B. Worden 
Richard Weglein 
Amos Wakelin 
Emory A. Walling 
John Walton 
Walter Wood 
Irving L. Wilson 
Barclay H. Warburton 
S. W. Woodhouse, Jr. 
Langdon Warner 
W. H. Weimer, Jr. 
Rev. Joseph A. Whitaker 
Henry F. Walton 
John E. Wick 
F. A. Wallis 
Morris Williams 
Charles J. Webb 
Clarence E. Wilson 



